Manhattan Beach is about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. By car, take the I-405 south to the Rosecrans Avenue exit and head west; parking near the beach is metered and difficult on weekends, so arriving early or using a rideshare is wise.
The Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line) stops at Douglas Station in El Segundo, about a mile from the northern end of Manhattan Beach, with connecting bus service. The Big Blue Bus and LA Metro buses also serve the area. From LAX, a rideshare or taxi takes around 15 minutes in light traffic.